Underprivileged children make gingerbread man at Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, part of Operation Santa Claus

One gingerbread man after another takes shape as 30 children dig deep into a hands-on dessert making session at a hotel in Tuen Mun.

Inspired and guided by their instructor, the youngsters, aged between six and 12, rolled out dough into sheets and carefully pushed cookie-cutters down to cut perfect pieces.

An avid learner offered his peers tips for kneading, while a beginner was keen to know whether her pastry round was big enough.

The children decorated the confections with tinted icing, before the festive treats were baked in the oven for them to take home.

Executives and staff at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, while helping those in need of further guidance, encouraged their young guests to write their Christmas lists.

The pupils, many of whom were residents of public housing or subdivided flats in Sham Shui Po, were invited to a Christmas party hosted by Sino Hotels Group, which is helping raise funds for Operation Santa Claus, the annual charity campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.